Holding Fast When the World Trembles
Gospel Reflection for Tuesday, Nov. 25th, 2025 - Luke 21:5-11
In today’s Gospel, we’re given a bit of a reality check. Some disciples are admiring the temple, its beauty, its adornments, the way every stone seems to proclaim devotion. But Jesus interrupts their awe with a startling truth: “All that you see here—the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone.”
Naturally they want to know more. And if you peek into Mark’s account (Mk 13:1–17), the scene becomes more intimate. Peter, James, John, and Andrew approach Jesus privately on the Mount of Olives and ask the questions any of us would ask: When? How? What will it look like when everything familiar begins to fall apart?
Jesus doesn’t soften His response. He speaks of false teachers, of war, of upheaval and calamity. But tucked right into the middle of these hard truths is the line that might have gotten lost in the commotion: “Do not be terrified.”
The Gospel ends today with still more warnings: nation rising against nation, earthquakes, famine. It’s not a comforting picture. And there’s even more beyond verse 11, but that is for another day.
Today we are simply asked to wake up. To recognize that life is not always simple, easy, or steady. There will be seasons when it feels like every stone of our world is being knocked down. Seasons of confusion, exhaustion, and inner conflict. Seasons when we hunger for truth and ache for love. Seasons when even the foundations of our faith feel shaken.
Yet through it all we are told “do not be terrified.”
The disciples may have felt fear—I know I would have. But Jesus wasn’t trying to frighten them. He was preparing them. Calling them to remain steadfast, to stay close, to cling to Him even when the world pivots wildly.
We too are urged to remain steadfast. Whatever wavers around us, we are not to stray. We are called to stay in Christ, and keep our eyes fixed on the One who comes into a trembling world not to terrify but to save, to steady, and to walk with us, every step of the way.
While some people were speaking about
how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings,
Jesus said, “All that you see here–
the days will come when there will not be left
a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”
Then they asked him,
“Teacher, when will this happen?
And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?”
He answered,
“See that you not be deceived,
for many will come in my name, saying,
‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’
Do not follow them!
When you hear of wars and insurrections,
do not be terrified; for such things must happen first,
but it will not immediately be the end.”
Then he said to them,
“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues
from place to place;
and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.”